Official Visit by Officials of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and other Entities to Bloemfontein during December 2011 and January 2012

QUOTE

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 790 (NW961E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 8-2012 OF 16 MARCH 2012

DR LL BOSMAN (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

Whether any officials from (a) her department and (b) any entities reporting to her were on an official visit to Bloemfontein in (i) December 2011 and (ii) January 2012; if so, in each case, what (aa) is the (aaa) name and (bbb) position of the specified official, (bb) was the (aaa) purpose and (bbb) date of such a visit and (cc) was the cost of (aaa) transport, (bbb) accommodation and (ccc) other expenses?

REPLY:

With the expected participation of Heads of State and Government at the Centenary Celebrations of the African National Congress, in anticipation of their arrival, a number of state agencies and departments were mandated to make preparations as part of the courtesies extended to the dignitaries.

These departments include The Presidency, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, State Security Agencies and Departments, Department of Arts and Culture, Department of Health and the Department of Public Works.  These departments were mandated to ensure firstly, the safety and security of the event in terms of the Public Gathering Act, provide protocol services and facilities suitable for the stature of the event.  Officials from different departments were deployed to ensure the smooth running of the event.

UNQUOTE